Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the largest global multilateral funding mechanism providing incremental project grant to the developing countries on global environmental issues with local benefits. Set up in 1991, India is one of its founding members and is both a donor and recipient of GEF grant.

Under GEF IV cycle, a programmatic approach was developed to enhance synergies and improve effectiveness of the GEF Energy Efficiency related programs in India. Towards this, the three GEF implementing agencies, viz the World Bank, UNDP and UNIDO collaborated with the GoI, and key Ministerial stakeholders. This Programmatic Framework aims at increasing market penetration of energy efficient technologies and best operational practices in buildings, MSMEs and railways sectors through implementation of five distinct GEF projects.